When using the Internet, the system and some apps are likely to connect to the network. Of course, most of the time these are legitimate attempts. However, it is likely that they may connect to malicious servers. Or end up revealing sensitive user information. In addition, an unprotected computer makes it easier for a cyber attacker. On the other hand, one way to protect the system is through a firewall. So I present GlassWire, a free firewall for Windows. It allows you to control the connection traffic. In addition to being more protected against hackers.
GlassWire installation requirements
GlassWire has a free and a paid version. In this opportunity, we will use the free version. The first thing you have to do is download it from this link. Below are the minimum requirements to run the tool.
- Microsoft Windows 7, 8, 10 operating system in 32-bit or 64-bit version.
- An Intel Celeron processor at 2 GHz or higher.
- 1 GB of RAM.
GlassWire main screen
As soon as you run the program, you will see the following screen.
In the box with the word GlassWire you will find the program options. In the center, on the other hand, are shortcuts to the program’s main functions:
- Graph: displays a graph of the applications and traffic. It does so in terms of time, ranging from 5 minutes to a month.
- Usage: provides information on where the applications have been connected and what the incoming and outgoing traffic has been.
- Things: where we can see which computers are connected to our network.
- Firewall: is the section of the firewall where we can select which applications can connect to the Internet or not.
- Notifications: this is the section that alerts you of program activities to review.
Indeed, when you click on Use you will see the information we mentioned. But it also shows to which country the program is connected.
On the other hand, in Things we can scan to determine the devices that are part of the network.
Configuration of GlassWire, the free firewall for Windows.
The firewall screen is as follows.
The first thing you need to notice is that the firewall is turned on. Next, there are 3 modes available:
- Click to block: this is the default. It also allows all applications to connect. Then, from the list, you can manually block the ones you do not want to connect.
- Ask to connect: a dialog box will pop up asking if you allow the program to access the Internet. This is usually the classic way in which firewalls are used.
- Block all: he would leave all the applications without connection, for an emergency measure.
Let’s take a look at a small sample. If you press any app, let’s say the browser, then you will see a window like this:
If you click on Block, then you will stop the app from accessing the internet. But if you use the option to ask to connect, then you will see a popup window like this:
Consequently, you must allow or deny the connection to the network. Certainly, this is the safest option. It allows you to have tighter control over the connections. However, it is more tedious since we have to operate it constantly. Anyway, we have seen how GlassWire, the free firewall for Windows, works. See you soon!
